The 73 Challenger Project
About five years ago my challenger let me know that it needed some serious help. The engine rattled louder each time I started it. The whine from the rear end grew louder than the exhaust. It was time for a re-build. At first I was just going to rebuild the engine and rear end, but I kept finding more and more problems. After removing all of the parts that needed attention, I was left with the bare shell, which went to the body shop for some new sheet metal and paint. No pictures are available prior to this point since I didn't have the digital camera yet.
The car has been stripped and is being prepped for paint.
The quarter panels, trunk floor, and other sheet metal were replaced. The car was then painted.
It just came out of the paint booth (rear)
It just came out of the paint booth (front)
After a stop for front and rear glass, the car is now in my backyard.
All new front end and brakes installed
Driving this car was absolutely scary. The brakes were hit or miss, and all four leaked. All of the rubber in the suspension was rotten, so the front and rear suspension was rebuilt. The entire brake system was replaced.
New rear brakes and suspension components
Final engine assembly
While the body was being looked after, I had the short block rebuilt and bought a set of aluminum Indy cylinder heads. The engine was almost ready when the body came home. It was finished and ready for installation.
Torqueflite 727 , some assembly required
The transmission seemed to function normally, but everything else in the car was messed up, so an autopsy was performed. I found burned clutches, dirt, and a few modifications which were removed. The transmission was reassembled with new parts. The valve body was replaced with a high performance unit. Welcome to the backyard transmission shop.
Torqueflite final assembly
Motor and transmission, ready to be installed
Motor assembled to the transmission with a new torque converter.
Engine and transmission installation
Final sheet metal (and other body parts) assembly
Time for a burnout
After 3 years of weekend auto mechanics it was time to test my work. After cam break in and a few mild laps around the block, I let it rip (in my driveway). The smile tells you that the car passed the test.
What's next?
This project has taken over 4 years since the car was disassembled. It is running but not yet street drivable. Obviously the next items on the list involve final assembly. At the current rate the car will never be finished but should be drivable this year. Before it can be reliably driven it needs an interior, complete wiring, and new wheels and tires. After that an air conditioning system is required. Here in south Florida temperatures outside can approach 100 degrees in the summer. Inside the car, the temperature is much higher. Future plans call for a 5.1 channel sound system powered by vacuum tubes (already under development), and an onboard computer system. After all of the details are worked out I plan to convert from a carburetor to EFI.
It has been over a year since these pictures were taken. A lot has happened since then, but there are few pictures. The exhaust system was modified so that the valence would fit. The guts have been installed into the doors so that they now close and lock. Power windows are being installed now. Dynamat soundproofing is being installed. A custom wiring harness is being made. The car will make a trip to the body shop for a few tweaks and touch ups. When it returns the interior can go in.
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